Queen of Gods

by Scarlett Dawn

  I was now a day older and wiser.

  What a difference a day made.

  I stalled, then took a sip of the coffee, enjoying the warm, delicious drink as it spread through me. I savored it for just one moment longer, relishing everything that was innocent and pure just one more time as I got ready to admit that my own innocence and purity were ending.

  “None of that surprises me.”

  Jallina’s head snapped up, then hung a moment later.

  “So they did try to take you last night.”

  This time, my head snapped up. “What do you mean? How do you—”

  “Mil wasn’t quiet about his plans and where his ideals were aligning. And they weren’t with you and the temple, for sure.”

  I was aghast. “You knew he was going to try to kidnap me?”

  Was one of my oldest friends lying to me?

  Was she baiting me?

  Why had she not come and told me they were going to try that?

  Disgusted, I stared at the coffee.

  It lost its taste suddenly.

  My taste for my company was also lost.

  Jallina’s head shook in the negative. “Not him. The group he has been showing more than a passing interest in. He was…enthusiastic about the idea that they were going to take you from the temple and teach you how the temple is wrong.”

  “Why would I ever be convinced the temple is wrong? I am…was an acolyte. I serve the Lost God. I have since we were children, and he’s known me since I was a child!”

  Another pregnant pause filled the air. This one was not uncomfortable, merely long and laden with things Jallina wanted to say.

  “Remember I said we were children and really didn’t have a clue? It all comes down to that. We don’t know this world as well as others do, and we certainly never knew about Antithesis.”

  My hand flew up to a hold position.

  “Who?”

  “Antithesis. They are the ones who tried to take you last night. The one Milgran has joined.”

  Working my jaw, I puzzled out the name as I stared into the coffee. Finally, I looked up. “That’s a stupid name.”

  Jallina burst out laughing. “Right?!”

  “They also missed.”

  Still chuckling, she gestured to me sitting there. “Clearly. What did they do? How did you get away?”

  From that question alone, I knew that she had not had enough prior knowledge of the attempt. My stomach settled quickly. “They danced me out the door.”

  Her face froze in a blank expression for just a moment, and then her whole countenance exploded in laughter.

  “They did what?”

  “Danced me off the floor.” I smirked. “Honest. They cut in on Elex and me, and I was slowly danced over to the opposite doors and then dragged from the room.”

  I relayed the night’s excitement to my friend, the new knowledge of who they were shedding new light on the whole incident.

  One of my own friends associated with these people.

  “Are you all right now, though?” Jallina asked.

  “I am. I was fine just moments after Elex and Master Dorian had me away from the carriage. I wasn’t really frightened, just confused. I mean, one minute I’m dancing and the next…”

  A sigh left her lips. “You and Elex?”

  My cheeks flamed red when I realized how obvious I’d made it to her that Elex and I weren’t merely friends. “Me and Elex.”

  “I’ve heard he’s an animal in bed.”

  “Oh, you have no idea.”

  She smiled. “I’m jealous, really. I’ve always had a soft spot for him… and I had hoped.”

  I nodded. “I understand.”

  She shook off her reverie. “So, let me continue. After Milgran lost his mind about you and joined up with Antithesis, Drez and I wanted to get away from him without actually losing contact in case he did have a big mouth. I do wish I had realized he was quite serious when he told us they were going to try to steal you.

  “In any case, Drez and I found that, after some introspection, we preferred to trust that which we know well. The temple.

  “Someone in the coffee shop we were just in overheard us and introduced us to this place and others like it around the city.”

  “That’s why you wanted to get out of the shop.”

  Jallina nodded. “Yes, because as he, Seforin, explained, both the Outlier Temples and Antithesis use the shop to recruit.”

  “And if they knew I was there—”

  “They might come after you. Here, they won’t. And if they do, there’s a door at the back where we can get you out.”

  “This is too much intrigue for me.”

  “And we are just at the tip of the iceberg. Infants.”

  I inclined my head, realizing that the word was not so much an insult as a warning that we didn’t have enough experience to understand everything yet.

  Her hand rested on mine a moment before she spoke again. “We trust the temple. Milgran has no idea that we’ve chosen a side different from his.”

  My heart slammed against my ribs. “You want to be a spy?”

  She tipped her hand. “Maybe a little. Maybe not go out on difficult missions, but I would not be opposed to slipping you and the temple a note to let you know we’ve heard something.”

  “Having a note from my friend show up at the door wouldn’t be suspicious.”

  A grin spread on Jallina’s face. “Exactly.”

  I tapped a finger on the tabletop. “This could be dangerous.”

  “Did you ever even suspect such an underground in S’Kir? It’s no more dangerous than the Breaker clearly aligning with the temple immediately, and seemingly, without thought.”

  My lip twitched. “The Breaker?”

  “The Breaker of the Spine.” Her eyebrow went up severely. “You teach the stories, Kimber. You must know about the Breaker of the Spine.”

  I had never heard the phrase. I didn’t want to tell her that. It was a terrible omission in my education if I hadn’t, and it was this important. “Oh, yes. Of course. Sorry. I was focused on Antithesis.”

  “So you won’t make it publicly known to Milgran that you’re aligned with the temple.”

  “Not at all.”

  Wrapping her hands around her mug of coffee once more, Jallina took a deep draught, and I could see the warmth comforted her.

  I took on all the chill of the room at that moment.

  A sigh escaped before I gave her my firm answer.

  “Yes, then. Yes. Please send me information on them. And Milgran. But never at personal risk to you.”

  “We must be seen together occasionally. Coffee, shopping, even visiting one another.”

  My eyebrow went up this time. “You’ve thought about this.”

  Trying not to smirk, she couldn’t quite school her expression. “S’Kir isn’t exactly the most exciting place. We’re happy, we’re content, but even a calm soul like mine needs an adventure once in a while.”

  Chuckling, I shook my head. “This is probably more adventure than you really want to experience, Jalli.”

  She waved me off with a flick of her wrist. “Feh. I’ll grow old and stale like my books if I don’t do something to help you and the temple.”

  I let the words hang there a moment. In the next, I gave her a warning. “Just remember, we don’t know the game, never mind all the players. This is for keeps now.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  ~ GWYNNORE ~

  I somehow pulled my gun out and attempted to bring it up to the head of the person dragging me away.

  Master Niallan slapped it away. “What the hell is your problem?”

  “Someone just tried to kill me, you assbag.”

  He dropped me to my feet and pushed me out the door of the celebration rooms and into the foyer. “You just beheaded two influential vampires in front of all of the castle and two thousand humans!”

  Ugh. The Original was talking to me.

  I tried
to play nice. It wasn’t going to get any better with him, the situation not changing. He was the possible candidate for King.

  So I acted like I gave a damn what he had to say.

  Holstering the gun, I shrugged. “They thought it was a show. They’re all drunk and horny anyway. What do they care as long as they get laid and get more of the punch?”

  “You should be more concerned about the vampires who just saw you behead an old vampire and her companion—possibly friends of theirs.”

  “Then they chose the wrong friends.”

  “Don’t be fucking flippant!” He jerked a finger at the room. “Those vampires are going to want retribution.”

  I stared him dead in the eye. “That was retribution. They fed me and who knows how many other vampires poisoned blood. Blood, dying blood from laudanum. If the corrupted blood doesn’t get them, the poison will.”

  He paused. “Fuck. Why didn’t you lead with that?”

  “Because I’m positive Lord Otto and Lord Cato knew what was happening. I didn’t need to tell anyone. They already knew and wanted to see how I would handle it. And, besides, everyone in that room is blood drunk and screwing whatever they could grab!” I tore my arm out of his grip. “I should have done the same. I should have had a nice dick in there, got drunk off the blood, and had a good night instead of trying to keep myself sober and rational for my Challenge tomorrow.”

  My feet pounded hard against the rock floor as I turned to march away from him.

  Growling, he caught up with me. “Regardless, you caused a scene in there that didn’t need to happen. If the overlords knew, then you should have let them handle it. So what the hell is your problem?”

  I glanced at him. “Back there? Hortensia. Now? You.”

  “What kind of bullshit answer is that?”

  “There’s nothing bullshit about it.”

  “Are you drunk? Or just this childish?”

  I ground my teeth together, a fleeting embarrassing flush staining my cheeks. “I was surrounded by two thousand willing humans! You think I didn’t partake?”

  “Didn’t anyone—”

  “For shit’s sake, Master Niallan—”

  “Call me Nial.”

  “Whatever. As you wish. But, like I was saying, I’m not childish like you said. I just didn’t expect to have an attempt on my life during the Blood Rite. So, yes, I enjoyed myself.” I growled under my breath, conceding one issue. “Maybe a little too much.”

  “You’re a stupid girl, you know that?”

  “And you’re an asshole. And now, I’m probably not even going to find a couch arm to rub off on thanks to this mess.”

  “Why the hell would you rub off on a couch arm?” His anger was gone, replaced with confusion.

  “Because I’m a candidate, and I’m not just going to sit and spin on any old unknown dick that points my way, no matter how blood drunk and horny I am!”

  “Are you horny?”

  “Oh for—” I started to walk away and then trudged right back. “I had one guy come while I was drinking, and I helped another come while my best friend rode him. Do you think I’m horny?”

  “You really want to take a ride on a dick, don’t you?”

  I muttered, “Go away.”

  Lifting an eyebrow slowly, he considered me. “I wouldn’t mind getting laid.”

  I tripped over my own feet, barely catching myself from taking a header into the floor. With my arms braced out away from my body, steadying myself, I cast a glance at him from the corner of my eye.

  Oh. My.

  Play it cool, Gwen. Play it cool.

  I choked on a laugh and started walking. “Be careful. I might have taken that as an offer.”

  He followed, his hands shoved into his pockets. A little smile curved the edges of his mouth as he stared at the ground. Quiet. Oh so quiet. He asked with casual curiosity, “And if it was?”

  Although I still couldn’t stand this asshole, if I were ever looking for an opening into his life…

  I muttered, “I think it would make for an interesting fuck.”

  “That’s very true.”

  I peered in his direction, not hiding the direction of my gaze as I blatantly checked out his impressive form.

  “You’re thinking about my dick.” He smirked.

  “Oh, you think about that enough for everyone in the stronghold. You don’t need my help.” I turned my regard back to where I was walking.

  A magical cool breeze tickled my neck, which was one thing, but when it focused in and pinched my nipple, I turned and growled, “Keep your magical mitts off my tits, you shit.”

  “She’s a poetess!”

  “Fuck off.”

  His voice was right in my ear. “I’d rather fuck you.”

  With a sidelong glance, I sized him up again. I was still wet and wanting from the Blood Rite. But I couldn’t stand this arrogant buffoon. “You’re serious?”

  “If you’re interested in finding a bed and not a hallway.”

  “And what if I like fucking in hallways?”

  “I’ll have to reconsider my offer and find a hallway.”

  Oh. He wanted me.

  This was a motivating development.

  I hummed softly. “Find me a bed, then.”

  I could do this. I could.

  He magically tweaked my nipple again, but this time didn’t let go. “I think I can manage that.”

  The magic continued to caress my nipple, flutters of sensation curling my toes. I wiggled my shoulders. It tickled, and not in a horrible way either.

  “Stop that.”

  Grinning, Nial took the lead, his magic finding the second nipple as we walked.

  I didn’t mind walking behind him.

  He had very nice broad shoulders.

  His attitude, though, left a lot to be desired.

  It took me only a moment to realize we were heading to his bedroom. That was a bold move, but if it meant I wouldn’t be bent against a wall, I was all for it.

  I waited silently behind him as we stopped in front of his door. Though, my eyes flicked in the direction we had walked from when a flash of darkness caught my eye. My attention stalled for a heartbeat.

  At the end of the hall…

  Lord Belshazzar rested against a doorframe.

  Was he following us?

  What…had he overheard?

  Did he know this was Nial’s bedroom?

  His arms were crossed over his muscular chest.

  His eyes slowly glanced between the druid and me.

  Gradually, he pushed off the doorframe.

  The overlord winked at me, a measured grin curling one side of his plush lips. His light eyes scanned my shocked features once more, holding my wide gaze. Then he was gone before I could breathe.

  Unlocking the door, and holding it open, Nial turned back in my direction, inviting me into his room. “Are you coming?”

  I blinked ever so slowly, then nodded quickly before the druid could question my behavior, brushing away the overlord’s peculiar, spying actions.

  I couldn’t see anything except the clock on the nightstand. He had to have some weird druid bullshit spell going on to keep the room dark. He shut the door behind us, and the dark completely overwhelmed me.

  It was disconcerting.

  As a vampire, I wasn’t used to being robbed of my sight.

  A shiver ran up my spine, freezing cold air rushing around my feet and ankles, slithering up my calves.

  Pressing against my back, Nial’s hand took hold of my chin and turned me toward him. His breath passed over my eyes, and the room immediately lightened up, gifting me with the magic to see through his spell—as his magic also kept my breasts entertained.

  Although, the gold mist slithering around his floor didn’t disappear. It covered the entire area in its freezing touch. Nial didn’t appear to mind it, but it was entirely unpleasant to my skin—unnatural and magical.

  “Undress, Gwen. I don’t want to waste time doi
ng it for you.”

  “You’re bossing me around?” I shivered again, rubbing my arms. I was dawdling. I knew it.

  Dammit, I could do this.

  “Do you want to get laid or not?”

  “You’re crude.”

  “Because asking for a fuck is so haute?”

  “Will you stop with my tits? Goddamn it!”

  I tried to swat the magical fingers away as I also attempted to unbutton my shirt. The magic stopped there, but a second later, there was a caress on my pussy.

  “That better?” Mocking laughter filled Nial’s voice.

  “Are you naked yet, Niallan? You talk about wasting time…”

  Strutting around in front of me, he provided proof he was, indeed, naked, and already aroused. I had a moment to admire his physique, and he was nicely made.

  He caught me looking, and grinned.

  “You’re so damn smug.”

  “I can smell your sex, Gwen.” He took a stride toward me. “I could smell your sex in the hallway. Are you always this horny, or is this just for me?”

  I huffed, stepping out of my pants, finally free of my own clothes. “Blood Rite. Get over yourself.”

  Reaching out a hand, he caressed my breast without his magic. “Mm. A perfect handful.”

  His cock was reaching for me, and I reached back, wrapping a hand around him. I wasn’t going waste any more time, leading him over to his own bed by the erection. I really could do this, and I needed to get laid, as he said. Most vampires sought a good bed partner at least every night. I’d been fucked only once since my last Rest, but what Lord Belshazzar did to me that night...left me looking at every other eligible male as lacking.

  Which really sucked.

  I needed to find another way to get some.

  Overlords were not on the regular menu.

  But for now, I had an impressive cock in my hands.

  That was all I needed to remember. Nial was a man. He had all the male parts I needed to get off tonight. I would try to forget that he was an asshole druid.

  I slid my hand over the delightful cock that was ready, willing, and able.

  Nial didn’t give me a chance to get on the bed and drag him with me. I found myself horizontal with his very large body nestled between my legs, his mouth on my tit sucking as if his life depended on it.